NASA to try new approach to fix InSight instrument
Posted: Sun, Jun 9, 2019, 9:46 AM ET (1346 GMT)
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, September 13
SpaceX, Northrop Grumman to launch supplies to ISS
Spectrum News — 5:52 am ET (0952 GMT) Cornell-led space tech startup acquired by Pasteur Labs
Cornell Univ. — 5:51 am ET (0951 GMT) How China Is Transforming Space Power
The Diplomat — 5:46 am ET (0946 GMT) Two billionaires have very different — and equally wild — visions of a future in space. Is either possible?
CNN — 5:43 am ET (0943 GMT) Rare photos show 'deeply personal' moments in space
BBC — 5:36 am ET (0936 GMT) |
